SOMO News

JOPLIN – The Joplin Polar Plunge will take place on Saturday, Nov. 4. Brave men and women from around the area will don disco-themed costumes and swimwear and take “polar” dips into Shoal Creek. Their Reason for Freezin’ is the athletes of Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO)! All proceeds from this year’s event will benefit training and competition for the thousands of SOMO athletes across the state, including right here in the Joplin area.

The Polar Plunge is open to anyone 10 years or older who is a fan of having a good time for a good cause. The event is hosted by the Joplin and Carthage Police Departments and will take place at Rivers Bend Family Resort, 4041 Highway NN, Joplin, MO. Day-of registration begins at 11 a.m. and the Plunge starts promptly at noon.

“It’s exciting to see the community come together to support our athletes,” Southwest Area Development Director Haley Blevins said.

This is our first Joplin Polar Plunge since 2017, and we are so excited for the return of such a fantastic event! In 2017, Polar Plungers raised over $10,000 for SOMO. Each participant must raise a minimum of $75 to take the Plunge and can earn incentives by reaching fundraising goals. This year, SOMO is hoping to raise $12,000. So far, SOMO has raised $883,764.25 during its first ten Polar Plunges across the state.

Costumes are highly encouraged. Awards will be given in the following categories (you must be pre-registered to win):

·       Top Law Enforcement Team

·       Top School Team

·       Top Community Team

SOMO will also give out its prestigious Golden Plunger Awards to teams and individuals with the most creative costumes.

Please note: No wet suits are allowed and shoes are required.

The easiest and most efficient way to register and fundraise is online! Simply go to support.somo.org/joplin to sign up. Make sure to email your friends and family members to support your Plunge. Paper registration forms are also available at the SOMO Southwest Area office. Mail or deliver pre-registration forms and the minimum $75 contribution to Special Olympics Missouri Plunge: 3524 S National Ave, Springfield MO 65807.

Plunging participants will receive an official Polar Plunge commemorative shirt, bragging rights for freezing your fur off, and a Plunger meal. Participants can also receive incentives for reaching fundraising goals: $250 – Beanie, $500 – Robe, $1,000 – Speaker and $2,000 – Fleece Zip-up jacket and beanie.

Our Joplin Polar Plunge sponsors include Rivers Bend Resort, Roper-Honda, Smoothie King Joplin, and more.  

For more information about the Polar Plunge, please contact Haley Blevins at (417) 306-9965 or email blevins@somo.org.